There is no hard-fast rule when it comes to whether or not your dog should sleep with you in your bed. If it's not causing any issues and you're comfortable with it, go for it. However, I urge you to put your dog's well-being before your own selfish desire to share a bed with your pup.
Studies have shown many physical and mental health advantages to owning a pet, and co-sleeping increases the amount of time spent with that pet, potentially increasing those benefits. For example, co-sleeping can increase the feelings of comfort and companionship your dog provides.
Sleep in the same room for the first few nights.
For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Wherever you decide to settle them in your house, it's a good idea to spend the first few nights in the same room with them so they don't wake up in a panic because no-one is there.
The crate should be a comfortable and warm place. For at least the first few weeks, it should be placed in your bedroom where you sleep. Remember that your puppy is in a new home, away from his mom and siblings, and those first few nights will be scary!
Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
While you may eventually want to let your dog sleep in bed with you (or your kids), it really is best if your pup starts out sleeping in a crate — you can always let them in the bed later, once they're fully potty-trained, sleeping soundly, and happily acclimated to their crate.
After all, puppies thrive off routine, and it helps them to learn good behavior and tricks. But in all honesty, there's no 'right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
There are some things we can do to help them settle and feel safe in those first few days. Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature.
Wait until Your Dog Is Potty Trained
Ideally, your dog should be close to fully potty trained before you allow him or her to sleep in bed with you. There are several reasons for this. First, you don't want your dog to get in the habit of using your bed as a potty pad.
The myth that separation anxiety or aggression in dogs is caused by co-sleeping is just that. A myth.
Dogs Can Have Accidents on the Bed
Particularly in young dogs, potty training accidents are common around the house, and your bed is no exception.
While you can comfort your puppy in this way, don't be tempted to get them out and cuddle them or play with them – otherwise they have just learnt the perfect way to make night times more fun and so will be even more persistent in trying to get your attention!
Typically, dogs between 7-16 weeks can sleep 6-8 hours, but they still need to take a potty break at night. So if your dog wakes up at night, it means it needs to pee. Do not play or pay attention to it during this time.
Many owners love the comfort of having their pups in bed with them, and if this is a goal of yours too, we want to help you get there! We recommend crate training for the first 1-2 years of their life to provide structure in your pup's daily life while building their confidence, independence, and overall good manners.
The amount of time each individual pet needs to adjust to their new homes will vary, but the 3-3-3 rule helps give an approximation of what new pet owners can expect. The 3-3-3 rule refers to the first 3 days, the first 3 weeks, and the first 3 months after bringing a shelter animal home.
Signs of a Strong Bond
There's a real light in their eyes; they smile, wag, rub into you, and makes great eye contact. When you come home, they brighten up, becomes animated, and may even vocalize their joy. Other signs of a strong bond include: Keeping tabs on your location when they are off leash.
A Puppy's first week at home is an exciting time for the family, but it can be a very scary experience for the dog. Being taken away from its mother and siblings, and put into a new environment with people that it has never met before is hard.
While it's not a hard and fast rule, dogs that really love their crate, often sleep in it when the door is left open. If your puppy is choosing to nap elsewhere and the crate is made up to be very cozy, she might not have the warm fuzzies about her crate.
Feeding an hour or so before your walk means your pup will be full of healthy nutrients and won't be starving before walkies, helping them feel energized and ready to take on the park!
Interrupt Playtime
In some cases, letting out a loud noise will make your puppy even more excited, and they might continue to bite. At this point, ignore your puppy, stop any interactions and walk away. Stopping playtime abruptly is far more effective than yelling at your puppy or punishing them.
“Some puppies can sleep for several hours at night right away!” If your puppy cries in the crate at night, your instinct will be to help him—and that's the right thing to do. Although sometimes people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, that shouldn't deter you.
It is not uncommon for a puppy to defecate 5-6 times per day. Some will eliminate even more frequently. The good news is that the pace of pooping will slow down as the dog matures. Although a 2-week-old puppy may defecate at every feeding, by 12 weeks, they may be down to only 4 times per day.
Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.